Interview with Traci Howell CEO of Victory Assistants

Interview With Traci Howell 

Tell us about your business—what do you do and who do you do it for? 

My business is Victory Assistants. I pair together simple marketing solutions with advanced copywriting creation for creative entrepreneurs in a done with you or done for you system so you can gain back 10 hours in your weekly schedule and increase your revenue within the next 30 days.   

What inspired you to ditch the 9–5 or traditional path and go all in as an entrepreneur? 

I never technically had a "dream job" like my peers.  I just took a job as it sounded fun.  The only thing I wanted to do was be able to write. After figuring out that I really wasn't fit for the traditional path of 9-5, I found my way into freelance and then digital marketing.  I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and after having my son right before the COVID pandemic hit, it was the perfect time to jump all in.  I went full-time as an entrepreneur after my son was born and haven't looked back.  I finally found that my dream job is what I'm doing!  

What was the hardest BS you had to overcome to get real momentum in your online biz?

To stop listening to all the noise.  There are so many people out there trying to tell you do start your business this way or that way.  They tell you that you have to follow a certain path or you won't make it.  People were always saying that you have to have X amount of money to start a business no matter what you're doing.  The fact that your business falls into 1 or 3 categories and if it doesn't, it will fail.  It's all really BS. The only thing you have to follow is what you set out to do and continue repeating it.  Find those few people you want to follow and learn from, but always know in the back of your mind, "This is MY business, I will do it MY way, and I will do it consistently MY way no matter what others say." 

Was there a moment where you almost gave up? What pulled you through?

 I have had a lot of ups and downs through the years, however, I feel very blessed that I can say no. I have a very strong faith and put all my trust in Him for things like this.  He always seems to provide no matter what.  Having this faith keeps me going and with the knowledge that I knew this was the path that I wanted to take, I just keep going.  I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone all the time, especially as I am transitioning from a one woman show to a small Boutique Agency.   

How do you stay focused when things get noisy, messy, or uncertain in your business? 

I take a deep breath and usually do some creative writing on one of the stories that I'm writing.  If not that, then I go and do some sewing on one of the many quilting projects I have.  I also tend to clean.  I think that when I get frazzled, finding a way to ensure that I gain back the control that I seem to not have at the moment helps. 

What’s the most game-changing lesson you've learned since starting?

This is hard as there are a lot of game-changing lessons that I've learned, but the one that stands out most is to show people the real you.  Not just the person you think people want to see.  Be the brainy brilliant yet sometimes plain stupid person that you are and people will flock to you.  Best example for myself is that I am horrible with jokes unless it is a laffy taffy joke yet I can do a deep dive into copywriting or analytics any day.  

What’s the best piece of “real talk” advice you’ve ever gotten (or would give)? 

Just because you see something online doesn't mean that it is true.  Sadly, a lot of businesses are only showing huge wins or telling half the story which gives you false information.  They also may be farther down the entrepreneur path than you are even though they aren't saying that.  Therefore, why measure yourself to them when they aren't on the exact same path you are. 

What are you most proud of achieving in your business so far? 

Honestly, hitting my consistent months for over a year plus creating retainer fees. I'm also very proud that I can offer certain creative entrepreneurs and businesses what I call a Budget Contract for those who are starting out.  I totally get that if you do crafts, art, needlepoint or something like this that it is hard to start out and get marketing done.  I offer select businesses this offer wehre they dictate the "budget" they can afford and I work off a list we agree upon and get as much done as possible for these clients.  Being able to pay if forward to clients is something that I love.   

What’s one book you recommend for anyone serious about growth, business, or mindset? 

There are a lot that I have read.  Some great and some not so great.  I'd have to say Atomic Habits by James Clear or Profit First by Mike Michalowicz 

Do you have any daily habits, rituals, or routines that help you stay grounded + effective?

The writer in me has to have a pencil, a pen, a highlighter and a notebook.  I write my to-do list for the week and cross things off as I complete them.   If they are long term things, I highlight stuff that is a later date.  Somehow this helps me stay grounded and still helps me be effective.  I also put random notes throughout my notebook for when inspiration or ideas strike which is always fun.   

What role has social media played in your business success—and how do you use it strategically?

I am trying a new path for my social media right now and it seems to be working.  I get a lot more dms than I have before.  I am an animal lover.  I would be so sad if animals weren't around.  So I took my favorite animals: dogs (loyalty, teamwork, consistency), horses (strength, strategy and forward motion), pigs (resourceful, smart systems), bunnies (creativity, agility, joyful) and bears (protection, buondaries, leadership).  Each of these is how I phrase something that I'm sharing.  I get to look at cute pictures of animals while learning and sharing. 

What’s a common mistake entrepreneurs make on social that drives you nuts?

They are not being consistent and are always selling themselves or their product.  The other would be attempting to do DM outreach without even viewing the person's profile. 

What business tool, platform, or system could you not live without—and why?  

I could not live without ChatGPT.  It is great for brainstorming and keeping track of information for me on my clients.  I also use this to create Agents for myself and clients. 

What’s one truth you wish every entrepreneur knew from day one? You will have good days and you will have bad days and you won't have anyone around you that truly understands what you are actually doing.  Most people will think that you just sit around doing nothing. 

What’s coming up next for you and your business? Anything we should watch for? 

I am currently still transitioning from a one-woman business to a Boutique Agency where I am working with 4 other amazing women.  This is so exciting and such a strange concept but I'm loving it.  I am also working on a Marketing Manager Strategy Book that will be followed by a course. 

What has real success taught you about yourself or the online space? 

That believing in yourself is key. There will be the nay-sayers or people who want to tear you down, but you just have to grow a thick skin to that.  Know yourself, know your worth and believe that you were meant to do what you are doing. 

Drop some fun facts—we want to know the real you beyond the brand!

I love animals, especially dogs.  I have 2 labs.  I love being outside in nature walking, hiking, camping, fishing- anything really.  I am obsessed with pizza. I have to try different pizzas all the time.  While I'm obsessed with pizza, my favorite food is actually Salmon Patties and ketchup. I'm a Manifesting Generator. My DISC score is SDIC, but my S and D are right next to each other.  I go with the flow until something hits me and I can become very blunt on what I think.  I'm the youngest of 4. I write Poetry, Children's Books, Short Stories and YA Fantasy. I am writing my first non-fiction book about my mom who has polio and her story mixed with my experiences. I'm one that if I'm ordered to do something, I tend to do the exact opposite just for spite. 

Where can readers connect with you, follow your work, or hire you?  www.victoryassistants.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracihowell-victoryassistants/; https://www.facebook.com/VictoryAssistants/; https://www.instagram.com/victoryassistants; you can also email me at [email protected] 

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